Posts Tagged: ptfe bar

PTFE Sheet versus UHMW Sheets

UHMW (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) and PTFE Sheet(PolyTetraFlouroEthylene) are very similar materials, and yet very different at the same time. They both possess certain characteristics that make them similar to each other. For instance, they both have a very low co-efficient of friction, which means they are great for sliding applications and are easy to machine.

Both of these materials are very resistant to chemicals such as chlorine and some acids and have great wear resistance. They have low to no water absorption. They also are FDA approved for handling food. PTFE and UHMW Polyethylene are both nearly impossible to bond (without treatment) and are susceptible to sagging under tensile load which is called ‘creep’. These both have very low coefficient of friction and work well for wear strips, slide pads and truck liners to make it easy to empty. These two materials are different in many ways also, and choosing between the two materials for a specific job is critical.

Below are a few examples of how these two materials are different.

1. UHMW is a polyolefin and PTFE is a fluoropolymer. Polyolefins are double bonded carbon while Fluoropolymers are carbon and fluorine bonded. UHMW is a monomer which is consisted of one atom that will bond with another to form a polymer. PTFE is a polymer which is made up of a repeating chain of monomers.

2. PTFE has a higher temperature range than UHMW. The PTFE has a continuous use temperature of 500 degrees F. UHMW is much lower with a continuous use temperature of 200 degrees F and a melting point of 271 degrees F. The UHMW starts to become become soft at higher temperatures while the PTFE is much more resistant and with a melting point of 621 degrees F.

3. UHMW has higher abrasion resistance than PTFE. Both have great impact and wear resistance but because of UHMW having a molecular weight between 2-6 million making it the best wear resistance material in the plastic family, it makes it ideal to take wear and impact over a wider range and longer period of time without losing its properties.

4. UHMW has a much lower density than PTFE. This makes UHMW able to float in water while Fluoropolymers are significantly heavier (almost twice the density of UHMW) and would sink.

5. PTFE has excellent electrical and thermal properties. The virgin grade of PTFE is a better insulator and exhibits better electrical properties which can be used in radio frequencies, cables and circuit boards while UHMW cannot.

6. UHMW is much less expensive than the Fluoropolymers. Especially recently, PTFE has become harder to come by, and during the last 18 months there has been a global shortage of a key raw material called fluorspar that is used to make all Fluoropolymer materials. The ability to take lots of wear and tear and requiring low long term maintenance makes UHMW more cost effective.

7. The standard color of PTFE is Natural, which is a dense white. The UHMW comes in Natural (a deep milky white) or Black. The UHMW can be produced in many colors, and minimums are rather low. To obtain PTFE in colors is much more difficult, and would also have large minimum orders.

Both the UHMW and the PTFE are available as sheet, sheets, sheeting, slab, bar, strip, panels, film, round rod, rods and block. Contact us for assistance with these or other shapes.

PTFE Sheeting Properties

Specific Gravity D792 2.14 – 2.24

Tensile Strength Yield D638 2,500 – 6,000

Tensile Modulus D638 80,000

Izod Impact – Notched D256 3.0

Hardness – Rockwell D785 D50 – D65

Deflection Temp @ 264psi D648 150

Deflection Temp @ 66 psi D648 250

Co. Thermal Expansion D696 5.5X10-5

UHMW Sheeting Properties

Specific Gravity D792 .93 – .94

Tensile Strength Yield D638 6,800

Coefficient of Friction – Static D1894 .25

Izod Impact – Notched D256 No Break

Hardness – Rockwell D785 R64

Vicat Softening Temp D1525 260

Deflection Temp @ 66 psi D648 174

Co. Thermal Expansion D696 11.0X10-5

These are just some examples of plastic materials being similar, and yet having very different properties. The PTFE Sheet and UHMW Sheet may appear very similar in color and can be used for some of the same applications, but when needed for a specific use or property needed, one might be dramatically better than the other. As the old saying goes, “You should never judge a book by its cover” and the same is true with plastic. Review the properties and test prior to choosing a final material for your application.

Some Of Our Client Reviews

5/5

Frankly, I am blown away! We needed some Delrin rod, and so we started calling around. Most companies I called said ‘they could get it’ or ‘they can order it from back East’. After calling 5 other places I called Industrial Plastic of Anaheim. They had all the materials we needed in the right diameters,…

I had gone to another plastic supply in the area open to the public and was told at the desk it was a $100 minimum, even after speaking with that rep on the phone. Found Industrial Plastic Supply and was very satisfied with my purchase and my experience. Carlos helped me out and was incredibly…

I went to industrial plastic supply the other day to purchase some plastic for a project. Carlos helped me on the floor and was extremely helpful! He really took the time to help me! It was nearing closing time but Carlos didn’t care and still treated me as though I was a customer that came…

Arrived at this plastic wonderland around half an hour before closing time. The employee was really kind and took interest in our project. He asked a few questions to get a better understanding on the best suitable product. Very knowledgeable in the plastics about durability and flexibility. We even were allowed to be shown the…

I called them and worked with one of their reps on a custom project I needed for work. It started with me describing the problem and their rep helped me find the right product, they then sketched out a design for my approval and fabricated at a reasonable price. I am overall happy, the material…

The best will call experience I’ve had. Miguel was great and more than willing to help me find what I needed. He showed me the plastics I had questions about and even show me other plastics that would work for me. I loved that the warehouse was clean and organized. Will defiantly be going back…

I was very impressed with the professionalism and assistance they provided. They have a ton of materials in stock, way more than any other plastic supply house I have visited. The guy at the counter was eager to help, and cut the parts I needed while I waited. Great experience.

Great help and service Needed a window for my store front. I found this place online and got a piece of polycarbonate. It’s very strong and durable and got a good price. The salesman was very helpful. Highly recommend this place.

The only plastic place that does what they say they will do. After years of buying from a variety of plastic places, I have been burned over and over by lots of suppliers. Industrial Plastic is the real deal, and ship stuff to me when they say they will. No issues ever!

Industrial Plastic Supply is a great place to deal with! They are very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. I learn something new about plastics every time I go there. Everyone I’ve dealt with has been great. They don’t mind small orders and have always gotten our orders correct. Carlos has been especially helpful, teaching me about…

Very nice people, and seem to have good knowledge of product. Needed some round stock to make parts, and they had most sizes I need. The size they didn’t have they had to order. Hopefully the stuff will be in soon. Said they would call.

This place is my favorite plastics supplier. They are always very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. I learn more about our options with various materials every time I go. Carlos has been especially helpful. I really appreciate how they go above and beyond to help. Keep up the great work guys!

As a user of plastic materials, I think that Industrial Plastics is the best place to get plastics. I don’t buy a lot, so the fact that they will sell me mechanical plastic rod by the foot is huge. Everyone else wants me to buy a full length. Kevin and Carlos always treat me like…

Follow Us On Twitter

A four-year supply agreement between Sigmatex and Özata Shipyard has this month drawn to a successful completion. Ordered by The post Sigmatex Announce Completion of ‘Ships of the Future’ Supply Agreement appeared first on plastics.com.

From uniting big name packaging manufacturers to setting up standardized collection regimes and opening a reprocessing plant in 2013, The post ACE UK Looks Back at 10 Year Recycling Milestone appeared first on plastics.com.